There might be a decline in the number of beds needed but it's not because there's any notable improvements.
According to statistics, the number of incarcerated teens in the province has dropped so much that units are being closed at all three youth detention centres - including the Orcadia Youth Residence in Yorkton.
Since 2000/2001 the number of youth in custody has reportedly dropped by 45 per cent to an average daily count of 185 in 2012. That's compared to 342 in 2000. The numbers have declined so much that 24 beds were closed in Saskatoon, 13 in Yorkton and 12 in Regina. Renovations are also underway to an unused facility in Regina so it can be used for other purposes.
Great news one would think, but here's the real deal... While youth numbers in custody are on the decline, adult numbers are skyrocketing. Recent Statistic Canada numbers show 1,588 adults were locked up in 2011/12 - up from 1,362 four years prior. Not so good news.
There's a reason for it all. In 2003 the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) came into effect and it in large part, is why youth in jail are on the decline. It's not the fact they aren't out there committing the crimes but it's because the new youth act is more lenient. Under the earlier act a teen could be jailed for something as little as breaching probation - not so likely to happen anymore.
"Research in Canada and around the world, particularly with regard to youth, demonstrated that harsher punishments, particularly custody, are no more effective than a lot of the community-based sanctions they could have," says one associate professor at the U of R. "The YCJA suggests we focus on rehabilitation and reintegration, and not punishment as an end in and of itself. There are times when punishment and custody are called for, but, as I read the YCJA, that should be used as a last resort, not as a first resort... Incarceration is expensive and intrusive, so "if you can manage the youth in the community, you're probably better off." Under the old act, it was much the reverse.
Well less youth may be going to jail, but it's not because they've all been reformed. That's proven by the increase in adult numbers. A slap on the wrist isn't the answer if you ask me and we should be looking at the whole picture before boasting grande results.
